Melissa Lai Chow Obituary, Death; – A 68-year-old woman from San Francisco has been identified as the pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle on the Upper Great Highway on December 27.
Melissa Lai Chow succumbed to her injuries following an early morning accident at the intersection of Upper Great Highway and Ulloa Street, as reported by San Francisco medical examiners on Thursday. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later passed away, according to officials.
Public records indicate that Chow resided in the Outer Sunset neighborhood. The driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
In 2024, San Francisco experienced a total of 41 traffic-related fatalities, marking the highest number recorded since 2007. Notably, the city recorded more traffic deaths than homicides this year, despite ongoing efforts and investments aimed at enhancing street safety.
Chow’s death marks the 24th pedestrian fatality related to traffic in San Francisco for 2024, the highest figure since 2014, as reported by the nonprofit organization Walk San Francisco.
In a statement on X, San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio expressed his condolences regarding the pedestrian’s death, stating, “I’m saddened to learn of a tragic loss of life in the Outer Sunset on Friday morning. Any tragedy like this is a shock and deeply saddening for our community, especially during the holidays. I’m grateful to the first responders who serve 24/7 and provide help whenever it is needed.”
In November, San Francisco voters approved Proposition K, a contentious measure that will permanently prohibit vehicles on a two-mile section of the Upper Great Highway between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard, which includes Ulloa. Additionally, another segment of San Francisco’s Great Highway is set to close to vehicular traffic in 2026 due to the risks associated with rising sea levels.
The complete closure of the Upper Great Highway is anticipated to take place this spring, as stated by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, which will manage the new permanent park that will replace the roadway.
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